MARTIN ALONSO PINZON
Martin Alonso Pinzon was a Spanish navigator born in Palos de Moguer in 1441. Descending from a family consisting of many seamen, he too soon became a skilled pilot. However, Pinzon eventually retired from service, becoming the senior partner of the Pinzon Brothers, a shipbuilding firm. In chronicles written by Francis Parkman, Pinzon, along with Cousin, sailed aboard the Dieppe in 1488. As they made their way along the African coastline, the ship ran into fierce storm, pushing them too far to the southwest. There, they came upon untouched land, finding the opening to a magnificent river.
When Pinzon and his crew returned back home but for some reason, his behavior became out of control, so much that Cousin was forced to file a formal complaint with the admiralty. With this, Pinzon was dismissed of his service but telling people about the discovery to Columbus while on his way back to Spain. For many years thereafter, Pinzon did not sail, choosing instead to practice business in Rome. At that time, he heard of Columbus’ projects, which led him to inquiry more through the Holy Office. The result was that tithes were paid prior to the start of the 15th century by the country of Vinland. Having seen charts created by Norman explorers, Pinzon decided to trust Columbus.
While Pinzon was traveling back to Spain, Queen Isabella’s advisors consulted with him, eager to learn more about the schemes set out by Columbus. His response to the Queen helped the Genoese navigator at the time when Columbus sought permission to arm three of his ships. To help, Pinzon contributed some of the finances. In addition, Pinzon commanded on of the ships called La Pinta but he was set on beating Columbus by sailing ahead of the other two ships and not listening to orders.
As soon as Pinzon could see land, he pretended that he discovered it first. Then in 1492, Pinzon separated from the expedition off the coast of Cuba to take control of the treasures found on the island. Then in 1493, Pinzon encountered Columbus again near Cape Monte Cristo. He explained to Columbus that he had left the expedition due to bad weather at which Columbus pretended to believe him. However, as they journeyed home again, Pinzon again pulled away in a storm off the Azores, making it possible for him to arrive prior to Columbus, thus staking claim to the discovery.
Unfortunately, Pinzon was taken to Galicia via hurricane where he had to stay for several days. As he waited, he requested to see the King. With that, he arrived in Palos the night that Columbus arrived, setting out immediately for Madrid, Spain. However, on his way, he received word from a messenger that he was forbidden to see the king. As you can imagine, Pinzon was angry and resentful of his failing health. Sadly, while in Palos de Moguer, Pinzon died just a few weeks later. Even so, his brothers, Vicente Yanze Pinzon and Francisco Martin continued exploration and navigation work after Martin died.